NEW YORK -- Allan Houston missed the New York Knicks' game against the Denver Nuggets with a sprained left ankle Monday night, his first absence this season.

The shooting guard, who leads New York with a 20.5-point average, was hurt in Sunday's loss at Philadelphia.

Shandon Anderson made his first start for the Knicks, replacing Houston in the lineup. New York acquired Anderson from the Rockets in a three-team offseason trade.

The Knicks listed Houston as day-to-day but were hopeful he will be available Wednesday in Detroit.